ILO and Indonesia join forces to boost OSH skills of Timor-Leste's labour inspectors

A recent training in Dili aims to strengthen Timor-Leste’s workplace safety enforcement as the country rolls out its first comprehensive occupational safety and health law.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), together with Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower, recently conducted a technical training for labour inspectors from Timor-Leste. The three-day programme, held in Dili from 9 to 11 July, gathered 30 inspectors from across the country to enhance their skills in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). The training was organised by the General Labour Inspectorate (IGT).

This effort comes at a crucial time for Timor-Leste, following the introduction of Law No. 11/2023 on safety, health and hygience at the workplace. The law represents the nation’s first comprehensive framework on OSH, requiring workplaces to implement preventive measures addressing hazards such as dust, noise, poor lighting, and extreme temperatures.

OSH experts along with experts from the Indonesian Forum for Occupational Environment Testing Association (PJK3), led the sessions, marking a notable example of regional collaboration among ILO member states.

Over the course of three days, the training aimed to build the technical capacity of labour inspectors to carry out data-driven inspections, identify workplace hazards, and support the implementation of Timor-Leste’s new national OSH legal framework.

Participants were guided through practical exercises to operate and interpret OSH measurement tools, applying their learning in a field visit to a concrete block manufacturing facility. There, they assessed dust concentration, noise levels, lighting, and thermal conditions, gaining hands-on experience in real workplace settings.

The programme also included a knowledge-sharing segment on Indonesia’s OSH standards and inspection practices, offering reference points to support the development of technical regulations in Timor-Leste.

“We hope that our fellow OSH inspectors in Timor-Leste gain valuable insights and can enrich the way they do their inspection in the future,” said Waluyo, PG Dip Sc (OSH), M.Sc, from the OSH Centre of Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower.

Lita Octavia, ILO National Programme Officer, highlighted the importance of building strong inspection systems. She noted that equipping inspectors with technical knowledge, the right tools, and a solid understanding of OSH principles is essential for effective and evidence-based enforcement.

“This practical experience helps us link theoretical knowledge with real workplace challenges,” stated one of the participating inspectors.

Lead image / ILO